South Korea’s chocolate market: Evolving consumer preferences, premiumization, and the rise of global brands
South Korea’s chocolate market is considered mid-sized, influenced by the country’s declining birth rate and the growing trend toward healthier eating habits. Despite these challenges, the market has shown steady growth in recent years, driven by the launch of new products that align with evolving consumer needs and a shift away from mass-produced, sugar-heavy chocolates […]
How a price war reshaped China’s food delivery empire
China’s food delivery market size reached RMB 1.64 trillion (USD 229 billion) in 2024 and is projected to reach RMB 1.96 trillion in 2027. As of June 2024, the active users of online food delivery services in China amounted to 553 million, accounting for 50.3% of China’s internet user population. This secures China as the […]
The new Korean drinking culture: More low-alcohol drinks and hangover cures
The Korean drinking culture is changing, with young consumers moving away from traditional beer and soju centered gatherings toward lighter, fruitier, and more accessible beverages that better align with their health-conscious lifestyles. This shift is encouraging alcohol brands to develop low-alcohol, zero-sugar options and adopt marketing strategies that resonate with younger audiences. Read our Korea […]
Beyond mooncakes: How are China’s moon festival gifts changing
The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is one of China’s most cherished traditions. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar, it revolves around the legend of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, and her companion, the Jade Rabbit. Families reunite to admire the full moon, exchange gifts, and […]
China’s spirits market: DIY mixology and pre-mixed drinks on the rise
The spirit market is growing in China, and mixology has become a trend that’s been popular on social media platforms. The revenue of alcohol sold in supermarkets and convenience stores in China amounts to USD 205.7 billion as of July 2025, compared to the alcohol revenue generated in restaurants and bars, which is USD 119.2 […]
China’s yogurt market: a billion-dollar opportunity for brands
Despite most Chinese people’s lactose intolerance, China’s yogurt market is set to increase in the coming years. Yogurt is more attractive to Chinese consumers than any other milk product. This is because 90% of Chinese people have allergic reactions to dairy products, and yogurt breaks down a large portion of lactose during fermentation. As the […]
Foreign flavor, local twist: How the chocolate market in China is evolving
When chocolate was introduced to the Chinese market in the 1980s, companies lacked three things: a temperature-controlled supply chain, retail stores equipped with air-conditioning, and most importantly, Chinese consumers’ trust. Chocolate was a foreign oddity, and as much as an exotic product had piqued consumers’ interest, its high price and low availability did not encourage consumption. […]
How Costco in China thrives with few SKUs
In August 2019, American warehouse club Costco officially entered the Chinese market with a physical store in Shanghai. The opening weekend marked a hive of activity, with three-hour waits for parking spaces and thirty-minute queues at the checkouts. In January 2024, Costco in China expanded to the South with the opening of its Shenzhen location, receiving […]
With only four stores in 2024, does this mark the end of Carrefour in China?
When the French multinational retail corporation entered China in 1995, as its name in Chinese (“家乐福,” meaning family, happiness, and fortune) suggests, Carrefour was a place where many Chinese consumers visited with their family, friends, and loved ones. However, despite enjoying success for about two decades, in the mid-2010s, it started experiencing serious challenges. Even […]
Will Cotti Coffee win the price war against Luckin Coffee?
Founded in August 2022 by former Luckin Coffee executives Lu Zhengya and Qian Zhiya, Cotti Coffee (库迪咖啡) has experienced rapid growth. As of May 2024, it had the third-highest number of coffee shops, with 6,505 stores, following Starbucks with 7,102 stores and Luckin Coffee with 18,360 stores. Despite its meteoric rise and the growing number […]
Starbucks in China: Will it lose the battle against Luckin Coffee?
Starbucks’s history began in 1971 with its first store opened in Seattle. Since then, the chain has continuously developed and, as of 2023, it has over 32,000 stores in 80 countries. In China, it opened its first store in Beijing, which was also the first ever foreign coffee shop to enter China. It grew so popular that, […]
China’s nighttime economy after 996: Work hard (and play hard?)
China’s nighttime economy is booming as young professionals seek solace and leisure after their demanding “996” work schedules (9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week). With limited free time in the day, nights have become a vital outlet for stress relief and emotional balance. According to the 2023 China Night Economy Development Report […]